Giteau moves to five-eighth for All Blacks clash

Well said Frank. I've long enjoyed reading what Bob Dwyer thinks about Rugby. Others may to:- http://www.bobdwyerrugby.com/english/view-post.asp?id=77

Personally I don't think the wallaby selectors could spot talent unless somebody slapped them repeatedly Rugby League seems to find these great players everywhere (most of them some how play for QLD) Why can't rugby?

Matey nobody wanted him two years ago and only went to the reds with his brothers help

He is putting Barnes there for Nonu. Who would you have at 5/8 apart from Giteau (and I am no fan of his either)? Frankly, the forwards are the real problem. Where is Higginbotham?

Bob Dwyer made the excellent point on his website that Giteau ran straight against the Boks and it was a huge reason why his performance was much improved. Last year Giteau ran sideways a lot. The only time he looked threatening, to me, was in the Tokoyo Test during the first half when he ran hard and fast, from depth, and relatively straight. In the second half he reverted back to rushing his kicks. If Australia have to make-do with Giteau at five-eighth, let's hope he improves on some small area. Last year's Tests were painful in that the All Blacks (with Stephen Donald) were bad and Australia were worse. And I look back at those games and wonder how many Tests Australia could have won if one or two players got one or two aspects of their game right. It's not nice of me to say, but honestly think the Wallabies would have won two Tests against New Zealand last year if

Thats how I think they would go...

Ok so in that scenario for Horne to be replaced, AAC would go to 13, Beale would go to 15 or swap with JOC who goes to 15. If Barnes is replaced then it would be a straight swap with Fainga'a. If Giteau is replaced then Barnes shifts in one spot and it's either one of the above depending on how the Wallabies are travelling.

AF is a 12 who was a 10 as I understand so going to 13 is a stretch at such a crucial defensive post. I would think that AAC would go to 13 before AF with the amount of options we have in the back 3. Could be wrong but thats the way I read it.

Justin Wouldn't Horne and Fainga'a be a straight swap? Fainga'a is there as midfield cover so he would be training at 12 and 13.

Sam agree with the thought process behind the Gits move to 10 but I think Barnes would be subbed otherwise we would have to shuffle most of the backs around. Horne subbed means AAC would have to come into 13 and then there would be more shifts to the backline to compensate for that. If the Wallabies are being comfortably beaten (I think thats quite possible) then Deans MUST look to get his bench on early in 2nd half. Not so much as to try to win the match (which would be nice) but to see if some of these young reserves like Simmons and AF have what it takes to make the next step.

Thats a fair viewpoint Brett and I understand those guys you mention are "capable" of playing 10 but do any of them excel or specialise? Maybe4 I should have said lack of "quality" depth! I would argue Toomua can play 10 as well if not better than any of those and he has recent experience playing there to boot.

Maybe Deans wants to start Giteau at 10 because he intends to play him for the full 80 minutes (barring injury) and will substitute Barnes/Horne for Fainga'a at some stage of the match. There will be less disruption to the backline that way. My tip is that Rob Horne will be substituted as it would be too great a risk to play such an inexperienced midfield in Fainga'a and Horne, unless the Wallabies have opened up a big lead. Just my two cents worth anyway.

Justin, he's a prospect, Toomua, no doubt, but I'm not sure it's a case of "an obvious lack of depth at 10" for the Wallabies. In a 30 man squad, you're only ever going to have 3 flyhalves, and even then one or two of them would need to be able to play 12 at a pinch. It so happens the three no.10s in the TNs squad can all play 10 and 12, and then you've still got Beale and O'Connor as emergencies. But this is only really an option because Cooper is not available anyway, and so no-one needs to be brought in. If he was injured, then I'm sure Toomua would be considered. Either way, I think the stocks are pretty healthy, and you've still got guys like Halangahu, Leali'ifano, and Lucas in the wings behind the four or five named above.

Scottmit, I am certainly in the camp of those who had Barnes coming straight into 10, and further, I was also of the belief originally that Cooper at 10 would be a June experiment only, with the Barnes-Giteau 10-12 combo to revert come TNs time (thanks for proving me wrong Quade, soooooo wrong!!). So my only thought on why Giteau went to 10 is that maybe Barnes' superior defence is better at 12, against Nonu?? (and that's part statement, part question)

Thanks Brett, I am a little surprised to say the least he isnt in the squad when theres an obvious lack of depth at 10.

AB v Wales in the GF anyway.

Thanks Justin, Toomua is first mention of an option to Gits/Barnes at 5/8 Everybody seems to agree that Gits should be left alone at 12 (or removed altogether, which seems a bit knee jerk). I rate Barnes particularly because he continues to think when things get hectic (note the comments about Gits' reactions to pressure). I would have thought this makes him a better choice at first receiver So why has Deans selected them in this order? This is not a rhetorical question - I'd like to know. Surely someone can hazard a guess... Thanks Scottmit

Justin, he's playing for Easts in Sydney...

I dont think Barnes ever played well enough this year to be considered for the squad on form but Deans loves him so there he is. No need to use a breakaway as a 12 when AF is on the bench and is the best line breaking 12 in AUS.

Does anyone know where Toomua is at the moment? I'd rate him only behind Cooper as a true 10 in AUS. He should be in the squad at least...